Tag Archives: Aqua

Music

Music 10 A’s: Alanis Morissette to Adele

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1. Alanis Morissette

I love Alanis Morissette’s music especially with her album “Jagged Little Pill”. It is just a very honest record, and Alanis is a deep songwriter and a good vocalist.

2. Apologize
This is a song from Timbaland with real vocals of Ryan Tedder along with his band One Republic. Melody-wise and story-wise, it’s a good song. No doubt, it became a huge hit song.

3. Always Be My Baby
A song by Mariah Carey during mid-1990’s. American Idol winner David Cook had its own rock version, but Mariah’s version is way better.

4. All Saints
The time they came out, it was like move over Spice Girls. Ther were the new girl band at that time to watch. They became successful, though, not as successful as the Spice Girls. I love their R&B and pop style.

5. All the Right Reasons
Actually, the best selling album by Canadian rock band Nickelback. It generated a lot of hits and ny favorite was “Photograph”. Take note, it’s a different song from Ed Sheeran.

6. As Long As You Love Me
It is one of the earliest hits of Backstreet Boys in 1997. It was a pop song, and my cousin and sister loves it because they were Backstreet Boys fans. Justin Bieber had an “As Long As You Love Me” song as well, but a totally different song.

7. Aqua
Going back to the second half of 1990’s, that was the time when Danish group Aqua became popular. Surely, a lot danced with their hits like “Barbie Girl” and “Doctor Jones.

8. Always
Bon Jovi’s hit songs back in early 1990’s. It is a rock ballad which was one of their most notable hits. I always thought its title was “Romeo was Bleeding”. Lol!

9. America
Not referring to the country, rather, the band America. Surely, they based theor name with their country. I like their hit “Horse With No Name”, which was sampled by MIchael Jackson in a song, likewise Janet Jackson for her “Someone to Call My Lover” song. I always hear their music as my brother had a CD of them.

10. Adele
She is actually one of the best vocalist and most successful singer at this time. Well, her “25” LP just became the fastest selling album.

Video from YouTube / AdeleVEVO

Music

Aqua- Aquarium: Top 10 Singles in US and UK / Memorable Chorus of a Song

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Aqua- Aquarium
United States- Aqua is one of the few artists to chart in United States. They were actually the biggest Danish group to grace the Billboard charts. Their album “Aquarium” produced hits, but let’s see what went to the top 10.
Barbie Girl- #7
It seems the group scored only one top 10 from “Aquarium”. It was only “Barbie Girl” which sat at number 7. However, they also chartdd with songs “Lollipop” at number 23, and “Turn Back Time” at number 49. Those songs contributed to the 3x platinum from RIAA that it received.

United Kingdom- Aqua was such a huge band in United Kingdom for scoring numerous hits from the album “Aquarium”. They had released a lot of singles internationally and five singles were released in United Kingdom. Check what those songs which entered the top 10:
Barbie Girl- #1
Doctor Jones- #1
Turn Back Time- #1
My Oh My- #6
Four of their five singles released from “Aquarium” managed to reach the top 10. The only single which failed was “Good Morning Sunshine” which reached number 18. Surprisingly, the group scored three number 1 hits!  It started with the globally famous song “Barbie Girl”, followed by another cartoonish song ” Doctor Jones  and the ballad “Turn Back Time”.  “Barbie Girl” was their most successful single for reaching number 1 and going 3x platinum for big sales in United Kingdom.

Aqua’s biggest hit from “Aquarium” has been “Barbie Girl” so I am sharing the song. Enjoy the song below for those who haven’t grown up during that time. For those who are already living at that time, get nostalgic.

Barbie Girl (Chorus)
I’m a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
Life in plastic, it’s fantastic!
You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation
Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
(uu-oooh-u) [2x]
Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
(uu-oooh-u) [2x]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A

Credits: Billboard / OCC / Wikipedia
Lyrics from azlyrics.com and songwriters of the song (Sören Rasted, Claus Norreen,  René Dif, Lene Nystrôm)
Video from YouTube

Music

Album’s Singles Review: “Aquarius” by Aqua (second album)

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Aquarius (album)
Aqua did very well with their first album “Aquarium”. That album launched the group with cartoonish music videos and songs. When they had released their second album “Aquarius“, there’s a slight change with the theme of their music, though, their music is almost the same with europop and dance pop music. The album did very well in some countries, though in major markets like United Kingdom and United States, it is less successful.

Cartoon Heroes
“Cartoon Heroes” was released as the lead single from the album “Aquarius”. The song seems to talk about their old album which were cartoonish and they were cartoon heroes. It is a europop and dance pop track which is quite similar to their music on their first album. The song reached the top 10 in numerous countries. In Unitrd Kingdom, it became a top 10 hit when it peaked at number 7.
Rate: 8.25 out of 10

Around the World
“Around the World” was released as the group’ second single for “Aquarius”. The song was again a europop song. This time, it is less of cartoonish unlike their songs before. The single did well when it reached top 10 in some countries. In United Kingdom, it wasn’t that successful when it only peaked at number 26. It failed in America when it only charted in dance charts.
Rate: 7.75 out of 10

Bumble Bee
“Bumble Bee” was the third single of “Aquarius by Aqua. 7The quartet came back to their roots in this song which sounded as cartoonish as their previous album. The song failed to match their previous single particularly with their debut as well as “Around the World”, which started their poor charting in singles chart. It was not released in United Kingdom.
Rate: 6.25 out of 10

We Belong to the Sea
“We Belong to the Sea” was the last single from the album. This time, the group went ballad. The song failed to chart in many countries but at least charted im music video charts in Asia.
Rate: 6.5 out of 10

Credits: Billboard / OCC / Wikipedia

Video from YouTube / AquaVEVO

Music

Album’s Singles Review: Aqua “Aquarium”

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During the late 1990’s, aside from the Spice Girls, there’s another pop group who conquered pop music by storm. It is no other than the group from Denmark, Aqua. The group is known for their cartoonish music videos and songs. Their debut album “Aquarium” is full of pop and eurodance songs which tries to capture the attention of children as Lene’s voice sounds like a voice from a kiddie show. The album is the most successful album from Denmark when it sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

Roses are Red
This song was almost unheard internationally until “Barbie Girl” came in. The song’s music video is not yet the usual until “Barbie Girl”. It was a hit in their home country.
Rate: 5.25 out of 10

Barbie Girl
Aqua scored worldwide success with this song. It actually became their breakthrough song when it went to number one worldwide. The song though was considered cheesy and even had issues with the owner and creator of Barbie Dolls.
Rate: 7.75 out of 10

Doctor Jones
After the cartoonish “Barbie Girl”, the came back in this song “Doctor Jones”. It has similarities with their previous single, but I even found this as catchier. The song became another worldwide hit for the group, their second official big hit.
Rate: 8.0 out of 10

Lollipop (Candyman)
The group continue to score hits. This song became a top 30 hit for them in Billboard Hot 100. As usual, their sound from their songs can be heard in this song as well.
Rate: 6.75 out of 10

Turn Back Time
Aqua toned down to a slower sound through this song. It was also used for Gwyneth Paltrow starrer “Sliding Doors”. The ballad was a hit many countries which in the UK, it was their third number one single.
Rate: 7.25 out of 10

My Oh My
It’s cartoon time again in this music video of the song. This sounds similar to their same hit “Lollipop (Candyman)”. The song went to top 10 in several countries.
Rate: 6.25 out of 10

Good Morning Sunshine
This song is their second ballad from their album. It was a top 20 hit in the UK, but without impact in otger countries.
Rate: 6.25 out of 10

Credits: Billboard / OCC/ Wikipedia

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European Groups Who Reached the Top 10 in the US (1995-1999)

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European groups are very much alive during 1995 to 1999 through these artists who reached top 10 in Billboard:

U2 (Ireland)

U2 had successful albums globally at that time. But they only had 1 single to reach top 10 which is “Discotheque”  peaked at 10.

Take That (United Kingdom)
Being one of the top boybands during their time, it was at the last part of their current when Take That scored their very first top 10 with the song “Back for Good”. It peaked at number 7.

Everything But the Girl (United Kingdom)\
Everything But the Girl became known globally including the US through their song “Missing” which settled at number 2. They were considered as one-hit wonder though.

Oasis (United Kingdom)
Oasis had songs entered the Billboard Hot 100, but they only had 1 top 10 hit through the #8 peaking song “Wonderwall”.

Spice Girls (United Kingdom)

Spice Girls is the top British group at that time not just in the US but worldwide. The girl group scored 4 top 10 hits namely: “Wannabe” (#1), “Say You’ll Be There” (#3), “2 Become 1” (#4), and “Too Much” (#9).

Chumbawamba (United Kingdom)
Chumbawama is also among those considered one-hit wonder in the US after their hit “Tubthumping” reached number 6 Billboard Hot 100.

All Saints (United Kingdom)
All Saints emerged after the success of fellow girl group Spice Girls. They had scored hits in the US but with only 1 top 10 hit through “Never Ever” which reached number 4.

Aqua (Denmark)
Aqua is the most successful Danish group ever who graced the US singles chart. Their single “Barbie Girl” became a hit when it peaked at #7.

Ace of Base (Sweden)
Ace of Base had notable success during the first half of 1990’s. In the second half, they had scored a top 10 with their own version of “Cruel Summer” which reached the tenth position.

5ive (United Kingdom)
5ive is one of the British boybands who entered teh US top 10. They only had 1 though through the number 10 hit “When the Lights Go Out”.

B*Witched (Ireland)
B*Witched emerged to the charts after  the Spice Girls’ hiatus. They had scored 1 top 10 hit in the US with “C’est La Vie” (#10).

Credits to Billboard / Wikipedia

Anna Kendrick, Music

Corny Songs You Might Heard and Enjoyed

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Pop music produces great songs, however, there are some corny songs that you might have heard and enjoyed. Despite gaining negative feedbacks from critics and those pop music haters, they still became popular as they were undeniably catchy. Here are my list of corny songs which became popular.

Los Del Rio- Macarena
Everybody danced in this Spanish dance hit in mid-’90s and went to numbet one worldwide. I remember then when I can hear this song anywhere then.

Las Ketchup- Asereje
Despite controversies of subliminal message this song contain, it became a worldwide hit, though success in the US is limited. It still became one of the biggest selling singles in 2002. I know many danced in this song but the dance steps and the song itself is corny.

Cheeky Girls- Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)
This song was sung by duo Cheeky Girls. This introductory song of theirs went to number 2 in the UK and scored high peak position in some countries. Honestly, I find it corny and not cheeky.

Steps- 5, 6, 7, 8
This song from UK pop group Steps has been successful particularly in Asia and Australia. I feel this song is cheesy especially its dance steps.

Crazy Frog- Axel F
This song may sound funny, but it is corny too. The song surprisingly went to number one in many countries and even a Billboard Hot 100 placement.

Eiffel 65- Blue (Da Ba Dee)
I kinda dislike this song then but I admit it is catchy. The song topped the charts worldwide particularly in Europe and even made a top 10 position in the US.

O-Zone- Dragostea din tei
I honestly find this song too annoying and hear it often on the radio. It became a hit worldwide as it placed at number one. It was also interpolated by T.I. wth his number one hit with Rihanna “Live Your Life”.

Vengaboys- We Like to Party
This song is too corny but catchy enough to be liked. It has become a hit in 1999 and even hit the top 30 of Billboard Hot 100.

Chumbawamba- Tubthumping
The song has been hitting the chart in 1997 and went to number one. Despite its corniness, it is my favorite song in this list.

Aqua- Barbie Girl
The song was too cartoonish which made it corny as well as Len’s voice. It’s lyrics was even highly criticized, however, it still became a worldwide number 1 hit and still highly recognized until now.

Some facts from Wikipedia

Music

10 Songs With “Back”

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There are numerous “back” songs that are about going “back” to someone, place or time. Here are some songs with “back”:

Celine Dion- It’s All Coming Back to Me Now
When you lose someone and missing them, it feels like the memory is coming “back”. This version of Celine Dion became a huge hit in 1996 almost reaching the top ten of every country it entered.

NSYNC- I Want You Back
Being left by the one you love, you just want the “back”. This is the first ever single from NSYNC which performed well in many charts including UK where it managed a top 5 peak and top 15 in US.

Taylor Swift- Back to December
When you failed to appreciate someone and wanted to apologize and go “back” to December when they were still together. The song from Tay went to top 10 in the US.

Janet Jackson- Come Back to Me
You were left by that person you love and beg to come “back”. This ballad from Janet performed very well in the US when it peaked at number 2 in Billboard Hot 100.

Brian Mcknight- Back at One
This is a good song to sing for the one you love especially your wife. It has become Brian Mcknight’s notable song as it peaked at number 2 in the US.

Oasis- Don’t Look Back in Anger
Asking for forgiveness and tell them not to look back in “anger”. This song as become a rock hit in the US and a number 1 position in the UK.

R. Kelly- If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time
You just want to fix your relationship with the one you love and if only you can turn “back” the time, then you will. This lovely ballad was a big hit worlwide particularly in Europe.

Justin Timberlake- SexyBack
Well, it’s just loving someone’s back as it looks sexy. The song became a huge comeback for Justin and went to number 1 worldwide.

Savage Garden- To the Moon and Back
When you love someone, you will figuratively fly to meet him/her. This song became a hit in certain countries.

Aqua- Turn Back Time
When you just want to turn “back” time as a sign of regrets. This song became a number one hit in UK for the pop group.

Some facts from Wikipedia

Music

Artists With Successful Debut 1995-1999

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For many music artists, starting or entering the music industry is very difficult to make a good shot. There were other artists who did very well with their first single but turned out as one-hit wonder. However, there were artists who did very well with this debut single and their album did well too.

Since 1995, there were some artists which did very well with their first albums. Some had maintained their success but not everyone did well in their succeeding releases. Most in the list below were pop artists, do there were those with rock and R&B sound. Pop music just had a major change with bubblegum pop rose to popularity.

Alanis Morissette
Alanis may already had releases back then in her own country, her first album internationally became the biggest selling album by a newcomer. Based on estimates listed in Wikipedia, her debut album “Jagged Little Pill” became a record setter as it sold about 33 million. Her second album went #1 too but due to changes in music landscaped, it sold below than predecessor.

The Fugees
The Fugees is leading the hip-hop scene in 1996 via “The Score” album. It was multi-platinum worldwide when it became one of the biggest sellers in 1996, which was also assisted by their successful cover of “Killing Me Softly”. They haven’t released a follow-up after that.

Spice Girls
Spice Girls led the music scene during this era because of their contribution not just through record sales but also in pop culture. Their debut album “Spice” was believed with sales of 30 million (according to Wikipedia) scored 4 UK number 1s and 3 US top 5s. Their second album was very successful as well, though, it became their last studio album when Geri Halliwell departed from the group.

Hanson
The Hanson brothers priorly released independent albums but success came in 1997 when their first mainstream album “Middle of Nowhere” went multi-platinum by which its success was attributed to the stellar hit “Mmmbop”. Despite their success, no other albums from them became as successful.

Savage Garden
The Australian duo scored success with debut single “I Want You”, however, bigger succeed came with the ballad “Truly, Madly, Deeply” when it settled to the top. The album then caught up in sales and became one of the top sellers of 1998.

Aqua
The cartoonish songs and videos of Danish pop group Aqua made them very popular. Apart from “Barbie Girl” which had estimated 8 million in sales helped their first LP “Aquarium” go multi-platinum worldwide. They also had multiple hit songs for the album. However, their second album was just moderately successful.

All Saints
The four-piece British girl group was said to be the rival of Spice Girls, though, success of the Spices was never matched by All Saints. Still, they became successful with their self-titled album which went multi-platinum in UK and Europe. It received a platinum award from RIAA which helped the album’s status after the hit “Never Ever”. Their second album had limited success.

Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie Imbruglia became a household name with her global smash “Torn”. Her album “Left of the Middle” became as successful with platinum and multi-platinum successes elsewhere. It took several years for her to release her second album which was less successful.

Lauryn Hill
Despite the success of The Fugees, the members of the group pursued solo careers like Lauryn Hill did. Her debut album ” The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill had multi-million sales which was preceded by her successful hip-hop jam “(Doo Wop) That Thing”. She never released a studio album after that.

Britney Spears
It was 1999 when young female pop artists became popular which was first led by Britney Spears. Her song “…Baby One More Time” was extremely popular as well her album with the same title. The album estimatedly sold 30 million as claimed according to Wikipedia. She became a legend with her prolonged success and her succeeding albums went multi-platinum and had multiple number 1 albums.

Christina Aguilera
Coming from the same genre with Spears when she released her first album, Christina Aguilera was believed as Spears’ closest competitor. Christina never failed as her debut single went to number one worldwide. Her self titled album, according to the number of sales in her website, had sold 17 million which is a hefty amount of records. She had successful album right after too.

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez became famous with her single “If You Had My Love” which spent several weeks at number 1. Her album “On the Six” became multi-platinum. She remained successful with all her other albums.

Some facts from Wikipedia

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Globally Successful Albums of Groups with Male and Female Members since 1990

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Along with success of their singles, groups with male and female members had successful albums too. Many of them may not have had sustainable success, in this list, Black Eyed Peas is the most successful scoring several successful albums. The success of the album includes its sales and singles’ success.

Ace of Base- Happy Nation / The Sign
According to Wikipedia, this album exceeded an estimated sales of 25 million. This is surely the most successful album in this list as it also scored 3 official hit singles (entering the top 10 in major charts) namely “The Sign”, “All that She Wants” and “Don’t Turn Around”.

The Fugees- The Score
Technically, this is one of the biggest selling albums worldwide of 1996 and it scored the global chart-topper, their own hip-hop version of “Killing Me Softly”. “Ready or Not” was UK chart-topper and top 40 hit in US.

Aqua- Aquarium
They became popular when pop music is dominating the charts with the reign of Spice Girls in 1997 to1998. This album was multi-platinum worldwide due to the success of number one hits “Barbie Girl” and “Doctor Jones”.

Black Eyed Peas- The E.N.D.
With 3 Billboard number one hit and multi-platinum certifications worldwide, this is considerably the groups biggest album. They stayed at number one in singles chart in US for 26 weeks through two singles.

Black Eyed Peas- Monkey Business
After the success of “Elephunk”, the group released “Monkey Business” which was a muti-platinum success elsewhere. It is among the biggest sellers of 2005. It includes the sexual hit “My Humps”.

Black Eyed Peas- Elephunk
The first LP of the group with Fergie, this album had started slowly to reach multi-platinum sales. It includes 4 worldwide hit singles including the timeless “Where’s the Love?”.

Ace of Base- The Bridge
This album might not have duplicated the group’s international debut, but it still went platinum in several countries. It featured the hit “Beautiful Life”.

Music

Top 20 Hits by a Group with Male and Female Members since 1990

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Groups with male and female members palyed a big part in music industry since 1990s. To pay tribute to them, here are the top 20 hits from such groups.

20. S Club 7- Bring it All Back
Served as the debut hit from the group, this pop tune became a hit across Europe including their country UK, where it was number 1.

19. Aqua- Turn Back Time
The Danish pop group went serious this time after cartoonish songs and videos through this “Sliding Doors” film theme, which hit the top of UK.

18. Ace of Base- Beautiful Life
The Swedish quartet hit the charts with a bang with “Happy Nation”/”The Sign”, this song followed after their hits and eventually a hit in Europe, Asia and top 20 in US.

17. Black Eyed Peas- Just Can’t Get Enough
After the EDM hit carrier of their “The Beginning”LP, they returned to hip-hop and R&B through this track which hit the top 5 in major countries including in US and UK where it sat at the top 3.

16. City High- What Would You Do
This song became the only big hit from the hip-hop group when it peaked within the top 10 both in US and UK.

15. Vengaboys- We Like to Party
One of the successful ‘party’ songs during late 1990s, this song was a top 10 hit several countries while it settled in top 30 in US.

14. Black Eyed Peas- Shut Up
Following the success of “Where’s the Love?”, this song became a huge hit across Europe and Asia despite not settling a top 100 position in the US official chart.

13. S Club 7- Never Had a Dream Come True
Considered as the group’s signature hit after it became their first and also their last US top 10 song. It was a bigger hit in other territories, and of course, it gave the group another number 1 song in their country, UK.

12. Black Eyed Peas- Don’t Phunk With My Heart
They came back with “Monkey Business” album after their hot breakthrough “Elephunk”. This song supported the album as its carrier and crossed the top 10 globally.

11. Ace of Base- Don’t Turn Around
Still up during the height of success of “Happy Nation”/”The Sign” album, this became their third top 10 in US and other nations.

10. Aqua- Doctor Jones
This followed the cartoonish formula of “Barbie Girl”. It seemed effective when this song became their second chart-topper in many countries.

9. Black Eyed Peas- My Humps
This song was highly criticized with its sexual lyrics. Nevertheless, it became a top 5 success worldwide.

8. Black Eyed Peas- The Time (Dirty Bit)
With interpolation of “Dirty Dancing” hit single “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” in its chorus, the song became one of the biggest singles in 2011.

7. Ace of Base- All That She Wants
This song became the group’s first international hit after hitting the charts at number 1 and a top 2 position in the US. Its tune inspired Lady Gaga in some of her songs.

6. Black Eyed Peas- Where’s the Love?
This song became their breakthrough single as it brought the group to superstardom after it wasa number one hit internationally and a top ten track in US.

5. The Fugees- Killing Me Softly
This led the group’s successful album “The Score” as it was number globally when it was released.

4. Black Eyed Peas- Boom Boom Pow
This song officially became the group’s first number one hit in US, and it was 12-week runner! This hip-hop track also was huge globally.

3. Aqua- Barbie Girl
Despite negative review of the song, this eventually a huge number hit worldwide due to its catchy and cartoon appeal.

2. Ace of Base- The Sign
This pop song was the number one song for 1994 in the US and was again recognized when used for the hit film “Pitch Perfect”.

1. Black Eyed Peas- I Got a Feeling
Certainly the longest number one hit by a group in US with a long 14 weeks, it was also a big pop hit worldwide.